Enriching the educational, cultural and social wellbeing of our community
Founded by a group of passionate New Zealanders of Turkish descent, PIF is inspired by the idea of Aotearoa as a pearl among the Pacific islands. We place dialogue at the heart of everything we do — meaningful engagement and exchange between diverse groups that deepens understanding and, ultimately, acceptance of one another.
Through conversations and events — Ramadan Iftar dinners, talks, panels and festivals — we address a wide range of social issues, transcending ethnicity and religion.
To foster understanding and acceptance among diverse communities through meaningful engagement and intercultural events.
A harmonious, enlightened, and socially cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand for all.
Incorporated Society 1861117 · Charitable entity CC44418 under the Charities Act.
Two decades of building bridges
Foundations laid
PIF is founded to foster unity and understanding, inspired by Aotearoa as a pearl among the Pacific islands.
Dialogue scales up
Ramadan Iftar dinners, panels and study tours grow into a nationwide programme of intercultural engagement.
A movement today
60+ events a year, 50+ partners, and thousands of New Zealanders connected through dialogue and service.
Our structure
PIF is run by staff who manage day-to-day operations, a Managing Committee that provides consultation and guidance, and an Advisory Board offering expert advice across their fields.
Operational staff
Run the day-to-day operations of the organisation and deliver programmes on the ground.
Managing Committee
Provides consultation, governance and strategic guidance for the foundation.
Advisory Board
Offers expert advice in their respective fields and feedback on current and future projects.
Advisory Board
Dr Ashraf Choudhary
Honorary Professor at the University of Auckland and Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Theology, and a former Member of Parliament.
Full bio
Dr Ashraf Choudhary was a Member of Parliament on Labour List from 2002 to 2011. His major interests in Parliament were in Engineering Science. He is currently serving as an elected Member of both the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board of the Auckland City Council and Counties Manukau Health Board. Dr Choudhary was Associate Professor and internationally recognised Engineering Scientist and Researcher at Massey University for more than 25 years. As a community leader, he advocates for community participation at both local and national government level decision-making processes and believes in fairness, equity and justice for all New Zealanders. He has been honoured with Queens Service Order (QSO) for his services to Community and Engineering Science over 20 years ago and also made a Justice of the Peace.
Pauline Cornwell
Born in the Solomon Islands, Pauline returned to New Zealand as a young woman and has dedicated her life to community service.
Full bio
Born in the Solomon Islands, Pauline came back to New Zealand at the age of 5 years with her parents and older siblings. She has been a passionate supporter of children who ‘walk in two or more worlds’ and is involved in interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue. Currently, Principal of Papatoetoe Intermediate School, Pauline has been involved in education for nearly 40 years and is an experienced Principal.
Naomi Johnson
Naomi is very active in interfaith work, in particular on opportunities to bring communities together in dialogue.
Full bio
Naomi Johnson is very active in interfaith activities working, in particular, on opportunities to bring Jews, Muslims and Christians closer together. Naomi is a very involved member of Beth Shalom Progressive Jewish Synagogue, currently being the Chair of the Ritual Committee and an active participant on the service leading roster. A daughter of a German Jewish refugee, she is co-leader of the Auckland Second Generation Children of Holocaust Survivors Group. Until her recent retirement, she enjoyed a successful career in human resource management in the high technology and medical sectors. She has an MBA from Henley Management College UK and a BA (Japanese and French) from Auckland University.
Rahul Watson Govindan
A seasoned professional with over 30 years of diverse experience across the public and private sectors.
Full bio
Rahul Watson is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of diverse experience across the corporate, public sector, community, and startup landscapes. He has co-founded five companies in three different countries and is globally recognized for his expertise in strategy and governance. Currently, Rahul serves as the CEO of Philanthropy New Zealand, where he also holds multiple governance and advisory positions within both commercial and community sectors. Rahul's personal journey as an immigrant and father of two young boys, residing in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, deeply informs his work. Outside of his professional life, he is actively involved in his community, coaching Premier level hockey.
Meng Foon
Born and raised in Gisborne, former Mayor and Race Relations Commissioner, with a lifelong commitment to community harmony.
Full bio
Meng Foon was born and raised in Gisborne, where he gained invaluable experiences that shaped his diverse career. A successful businessperson across various sectors, from horticulture to investments, Meng has also made significant contributions in local government, serving as Race Relations Commissioner. He is a professional director and a licensed mediator, bringing expertise and compassion to every role he undertakes. Meng’s guiding philosophy is centered on kindness, respect, and giving back to the community, values that have driven his work throughout his life.
Our partners
We've built strong partnerships with non-profits, charities, local governments, religious groups and educational institutions — all working together for social cohesion in Aotearoa.
How we're funded
Diverse, accountable funding sources let us cover events, staff, our community centre, travel and other essential outgoings.
Little Pearls Educare Centres
Our principal funder — owned by PIF — provides vital financial support for our mission.
Grants & donations
Grants from governmental and non-governmental organisations, plus generous contributions from members and supporters.
Event partnerships
Some events are partially funded through partnerships with other organisations who share our vision.